The Student Room Group

Is it okay to take a gap year?

I want to hear advice and just things from people who have taken a gap year and what do they think of my thoughts rn. So im going to finish my gcses this year and my parents suggested that I should take a gap year because of the pressures ive been experiencing this yr and then do my a levels.

What I’m worried about is how will it feel like when im in the same yr as people who are younger than me. Also, im afraid that I will miss out on things that people in my age group will experience. Im also afraid that I will not have the motivation to continue to do my a levels after my gap year. And also, what would I actually be doing during my gap year. I can’t just sit around and do nothing all year🤷*♀️

Reply 1

Original post by anonymous7070
I want to hear advice and just things from people who have taken a gap year and what do they think of my thoughts rn. So im going to finish my gcses this year and my parents suggested that I should take a gap year because of the pressures ive been experiencing this yr and then do my a levels.
What I’m worried about is how will it feel like when im in the same yr as people who are younger than me. Also, im afraid that I will miss out on things that people in my age group will experience. Im also afraid that I will not have the motivation to continue to do my a levels after my gap year. And also, what would I actually be doing during my gap year. I can’t just sit around and do nothing all year🤷*♀️

hey this is coming from someone who just took a gap year, and honestly it was the best choice ive ever made. Even though it was a hard decision I'm glad I did it because it made me less stressed for a levels, and it actually allowed me to keep learning about my passions and grow my love for what I'm doing. But by the sounds of your answer it sounds like you aren't very keen on it, but genuinely I think it'll really benefit you, and I think you'll actually gain motivation for your exams if you are proactive in the gap year and dont put pressure on yourself as everyone works at different paces. Hope that helps :smile:

Reply 2

Original post by anonymous7070
I want to hear advice and just things from people who have taken a gap year and what do they think of my thoughts rn. So im going to finish my gcses this year and my parents suggested that I should take a gap year because of the pressures ive been experiencing this yr and then do my a levels.
What I’m worried about is how will it feel like when im in the same yr as people who are younger than me. Also, im afraid that I will miss out on things that people in my age group will experience. Im also afraid that I will not have the motivation to continue to do my a levels after my gap year. And also, what would I actually be doing during my gap year. I can’t just sit around and do nothing all year🤷*♀️

Ive not known anyone take a gap year after gcse's but after alevels my daughter did and it was the best decision for her. Shes got a job and shes travelling :smile:
Original post by anonymous7070
I want to hear advice and just things from people who have taken a gap year and what do they think of my thoughts rn. So im going to finish my gcses this year and my parents suggested that I should take a gap year because of the pressures ive been experiencing this yr and then do my a levels.
What I’m worried about is how will it feel like when im in the same yr as people who are younger than me. Also, im afraid that I will miss out on things that people in my age group will experience. Im also afraid that I will not have the motivation to continue to do my a levels after my gap year. And also, what would I actually be doing during my gap year. I can’t just sit around and do nothing all year🤷*♀️

Hey there 😀

I believe that our well-being should always come first. If you feel like you need a break, trust your intuition and take it. A year off might seem like a big deal, but in the grand scheme of your education, it’s just a blip. That year can make a huge difference for your well-being, so don’t hesitate to prioritise yourself 🌟

Being in a class with people who are a year younger won't make any difference. It's not a big deal at all. When you get to uni, you'll meet people of all ages in your course, and everyone gets along because a small age gap is really nothing. You won't miss out on anything because everyone's life journey is unique. You'll still go through the same education journey as them, but what you experience will depend entirely on you, not on being a year behind 🤗

When it comes to motivation, it’s really personal, so take some time to reflect on your own motivational skills and tendencies. You know yourself best! If you’ve been able to motivate yourself to study in the past, I’m confident you can do it again. Plus, a gap year can be an amazing opportunity for self-exploration, helping you figure out your career path and what degree you’ll need. Once you have that clarity, you’ll be even more motivated to ace your A Levels and embark on a university journey that aligns with your goals 🚀

You can do so many exciting things in your gap year! First, ask yourself what you need right now and what you enjoy. Maybe you need a break, want some work experience, or feel like volunteering. There’s a whole sea of possibilities out there. Just make sure to choose something that matches your needs and interests 🧐

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 4

Original post by anonymous7070
I want to hear advice and just things from people who have taken a gap year and what do they think of my thoughts rn. So im going to finish my gcses this year and my parents suggested that I should take a gap year because of the pressures ive been experiencing this yr and then do my a levels.
What I’m worried about is how will it feel like when im in the same yr as people who are younger than me. Also, im afraid that I will miss out on things that people in my age group will experience. Im also afraid that I will not have the motivation to continue to do my a levels after my gap year. And also, what would I actually be doing during my gap year. I can’t just sit around and do nothing all year🤷*♀️

If youre in the england, you cant take a gap year after gcses (age 16) and have to have be in some form of education till 18 wether that be an apprenticeship or part time education etc. I was thinking on doing the same but im probably gonna be an apprentice for a year and do my a levels in one year instead of 2 so im caught up.

Reply 5

As long as your parents are rich

Quick Reply

Articles for you